North Platte Physical Therapy - Wheatland

North Platte Physical Therapy has been serving Wheatland and Platte County for 30 years. It began as a contract with Platte County Memorial Hospital providing out-patient and in-patient services. We now continue to provide out-patient services
at our clinic treating a variety of patients and provide contract services for home health of Platte County and the Platte County School District #1. We are a rural clinic and treat a wide range of patients. Being a clinic in a smaller area, we have
the pleasure of getting to know our patients personally as well as professionally.

Our Wheatland Clinic provides a comprehensive out-patient facility, including a fitness center available to the general public. In addition to staffing the out-patient clinic, our therapists provide services in home care, and public schools. We also
work with our local physicians providing athletic physicals and early intervention for our injured athletes.

Location Details

Saundra Sluss, PT, SFMA

Clinic Supervisor

I have always had an interest in the medical profession, even as a youngster. As I got into Junior High and High School, I was also very active in sports and continued playing basketball in college. During these years I saw several
injuries and became interested in how to treat them and more importantly, how could they be prevented. I decided to pursue Physical Therapy. I have never regretted that decision. I truly enjoy being able to assist people in regaining
function so they can return to work and recreational activities. I have now been a PT for 30 years and I still enjoy working with patients and learning new skills.

Education:

1984 – Associates of Science from Colby Community College

1986 – Bachelors of Science in Physical Therapy, University of Kansas Medical Center.

Whitney Balzan, PT, DPT, CIDN

When I first attended the University of Wyoming (UW) I was unsure of what I wanted to become, though I knew it was in the health profession. I considered everything from orthopedic surgeon, to nursing, to dermatology. Then, finally
my last year at UW I discovered I really enjoyed spending time with my patients and getting to know them. The profession of Physical Therapy was my calling. I attended the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and earned
my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. It was a fantastic experience where I learned tools and techniques to help educate my future patients, and help them return to the lifestyles they prefer. Through on-site clinical experiences
I have found I really enjoy wound care, pelvic/women’s health, aquatic, and orthopedic therapies. I particularly enjoy practicing in a rural setting where I am able to treat various functional deficits and age ranges. This keeps
me on my toes and always learning the latest interventions.

Education:

2013 – Bachelors in Science of Kinesiology and Health Promotion, minors in Human and Animal Physiology, Human Nutrition and the Honors Program, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY

Latest News & Info

Contact This Location

When you are ready to pursue your Wyoming physical therapy options, it’s important to get the most out of your physical therapy treatment. Afterall, you are using physical therapy to get better and to heal your body. These are our seven tips to making the most out of your physical therapy experience, and ensure that you will keep getting better.

1. Ask Questions
Your physical therapist is here to assist you. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask them - they are here to help. The best physical therapists will be ready and open to answer whatever questions you might have and reassure you of any fears that you might be experiencing.

2. Communicate
This goes hand in hand with asking questions, but make sure you are communicating with your physical therapist often and openly. If you are feeling any type of new pain, or feel that you might have re-injured yourself talk to your physical therapist immediately.

3. Complete All Exercises
Your physical therapist has assigned you particular exercises for a reason. Make sure you complete all exercises as ordered during your appointment but also at home. Your physical therapist might have assigned you additional exercises for home, and if they did there is a reason for that.

4. Stay in Contact with Your Physician
As you complete your physical therapy, keep in contact with your primary care physician. It’s important to keep your medical records up to date but also ensure that your doctor knows how you are managing and handling your pain.

5. Stay Patient
Physical therapy isn’t a quick fix - it’s going to take time for the physical therapy to truly work and heal your body. By staying patient and focused on all of your exercises you will get better, it’ll just take some time. Don’t give up.

6. Set Goals
Your physical therapist might have set goals for you, but it’s important to create your own goals as well. Your goals are going to be a great motivator in sticking to your routine, your schedule, and ultimately getting better. When setting goals keep them realistic, achievable, and something that will help you keep moving forward.

7. Don’t Skip Appointments
This might seem like an obvious one, but don’t ever skip your appointments. Appointments are key to getting better and sticking on a strict schedule will help you to continue to improve. If you are feeling pain, don’t skip your appointment just communicate with your physical therapist. They can help you identify why you are experiencing pain, and adjust your workout as needed.

Are you tired of dealing with chronic pain? Or are you ready to improve your current situation? Contact us today to let us know what’s bothering you. Our team of professionals will implement a safe, effective, and reasonably-priced treatment plan that will have you living better, whether that means sleeping more soundly or getting through your work day without pain. Patients across Wyoming and Western Nebraska have relied on North Platte Physical Therapy for their pain prevention and physical recovery needs for years.

Long-term pain, also known as chronic pain, can be treated through the use of physical therapy - in fact, physical therapy might be your best option at treating this type of pain. Most of the time you will need a recommendation from a doctor to see a physical therapist, but it can definitely be worth asking your doctor for one. We’ve put together our top reasons as to why you should consider investing in physical therapy treatment for your chronic pain.

How does physical therapy treat pain?
Pain doesn’t always originate from where you think it does, and that’s why physical therapists are going to treat the source of the pain. Participating in physical therapy will help with joint and soft tissue mobilization and provide treatments that help to relieve pain, restore muscle, and get your body back on track to feeling better.

Physical therapists are experts in treating the body - not only can they help you identify the pain but they can help you treat it through a series of exercises. These exercises might include low-impact aerobic exercises such as walking, swimming, or stationary bike exercises.

Physical therapy might also treat pain through the use of stretching, or body-weight strengthening exercises. The point of physical therapy is to treat your pain through the use of exercises and to get your body moving. In many cases your physical therapists will also prescribe exercises to complete at home - be sure to do these as prescribed to assist with pain.

What should I expect?
Before your appointment check with your physical therapist to see if there is anything special or out of the ordinary you should be prepared for and check with your insurance company to see how much is or isn’t paid for. Be ready to discuss when your pain started, how it has intensified, if it has spread, and what mobility issues you might be having. You will most likely be moving around a lot in your first appointment as your physical therapist identifies your current issues, so make sure to wear clothing that is easy to move around in and be active in. In addition to exercises, be prepared that your physical therapist might utilize other tools such as a heating or ice pack, ultrasounds or even a massage.

Will it be painful?
The answer to this is complicated, but not in the way you think. Physical therapy will not be painful, but it might be challenging or uncomfortable. Physical therapy is designed to help your body heal and get stronger, so push yourself! Your physical therapist will never put you through anything that will harm you.

Tired of dealing with chronic pain? Or are you just looking for new ways to help improve your strength or mobility? Contact us today to let us know what’s bothering you. Our team of professionals will implement a safe, effective, and reasonably-priced treatment plan that will have you living better, whether that means sleeping more soundly or getting through your work day without pain. Patients across Wyoming and Western Nebraska have relied on North Platte Physical Therapy for their pain prevention and physical recovery needs for years.

From executive professionals form Cheyenne North and school teachers from Guernsey, to construction experts from Casper West and first responders from Cheyenne South, there's a familiar refrain from regional professionals who seek care here at North Platte Physical Therapy: 'I wish I'd found you sooner!'

In fact, according to newly published medical research from Sweden, patients seeking primary care for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) who are triaged to a physical therapist fare just as well—and in some respects, better—than those who are seen by a physician general practitioner (GP).

While we encourage all prospective patients to consult with their primary care provider for all serious injuries first, the findings illuminate just how effective physical therapy can be when you’re looking for relief from MSDs such as carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis, tendinitis, back pain, tension neck syndrome, and hand-arm vibration syndrome. That’s why students, amatuer and professional athletes, and everyday professionals rely on our team every day.

Patients participating in the study, conducted across three major primary care health centers (PHCCs) in Gothenberg, Sweden, were of people between the ages of 16 and 67 seeking help for a new, non-debilitating musculoskeletal condition. Patients were excluded from the study if they required home visits, were receiving ongoing treatment for the current MSD, or were seeking help for a chronic condition unchanged for 3 months or more. In other words, patients surveyed were seeking help for the types of non-chronic MSD pain that interfered with their everyday tasks both at work and at home.

The purpose of the work was to determine how effective their physical therapy treatment had been against those seeking only “traditional” avenues for care. The results were surprising. Analysis revealed that while both focus group in the study improved at similar rates, the group receiving care from regular physical therapy visits group reported consistently better outcomes.
The study’s PT group tended to reduce what authors call "externalization" of the condition to health care providers —namely, a reduction of stress related to their MSD.

At North Platte Physical Therapy, we understand that this is an exciting time to seek physical therapy care. With a growing scope of practice and expanding direct access opportunities, our staff of new and seasoned clinicians have a real ability to make an impact in both patient care as well as the trajectory of your healthcare care needs.

Too many people from across Wyoming and South Dakota suffer from the pain of what could be an easily managed MSD unnecessarily. Contact the North Platte Physical Therapy team today to set up an appointment and to get on track with a physical therapy treatment regimen that will reclaim your life from everyday aches and pains and help you enjoy work and exercise again.

Are you a Wyoming resident seeking to improve your overall physical health situation? You’re not alone, as the centennial state is one of the healthiest and most physically fit states in the United States. If you’ve ever been to a state park or popular hiking trail on the weekend, you are well aware of the fact that people in our area love physical activity, as there are nearly endless ways to get exercise through outdoor activities in the area. If you’re wanting to make improvements to your overall health condition in 2019, here are a few helpful tips to follow from your trusted physical therapist.

Find a Physical Activity You Actually Enjoy

One of the most difficult parts about getting regular physical activity for many people is that it can be hard to motivate yourself to continue pursuing it, especially if you view the activity as a chore. The best way to stay on a consistent regimen of physical activity is to find one that you enjoy doing and one that will be easy to do on a consistent basis. When a person has a long day at the office, often the last thing they will want to do is exercise after work. This fact is compounded if the activity they are looking to do requires them to drive a long distance.

First, you may want to locate a gym that is close to your house, meaning you won’t have to drive home and then get stuck in traffic again just to work out. It’s best to make things as convenient as possible on yourself, as starting a new habit is difficult enough. The easier it is for you to engage in the activity, the better. This also applies to the activity itself, as any activity that is enjoyable will make it much more likely that you will actually complete the task.

If you have a hard time working out because you don’t enjoy running, perhaps you can think about a class or other form of exercise that you find enjoyment from. You may also want to think about finding a workout buddy for as a way to help motivate you to keep exercising on a consistent basis.

If you are looking to improve your physical health situation is and are in need of physical therapy due to an accident or other physical ailments, contact North Platte Physical Therapy today and we will be happy to assist you with your first steps towards recovery. We have an extensive team of qualified physical therapists and specialists who care deeply about their clients and go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the highest quality treatment in the industry. If you are looking for a therapist who will carefully assess your individual needs and formulate a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs, North Platte is your preferred choice for the physical recovery process.

Whether you're a runner from Cheyenne North, a bowler form Guernsey, or a hunter from Casper West —sciatica knows no bounds. The familiar sting and numbness that accompanies a sciatica flare up is all-too-familiar to suffered from across Wyoming and South Dakota. Thankfully, the team here at North Platte Physical Therapy will be here to offer you a wide variety of advice on preventing, managing and ultimately alleviating your lower back pain.

That said, while sciatica 'feels' like lower back pain, it's quite different, biophysically. While your pain from sciatica might feel like it's concentrated in your lower back, it actually extends down the sciatic nerve, which, as long time sciatica suffers might already know, is the largest nerve in the human body. Whether your sciatic nerve pain is most prevalent in your lower back, buttock, hip or leg, the good news is that your friends here at North Platte Physical Therapy can get you on a path to relief and recovery.

How is sciatica diagnosed? Many health professionals proclaim that when patients come to them and say they believe they've got sciatica, they're usually correct. However, an official diagnosis is always the first way to go when it comes to implementing a diligent treatment plan. In addition to looking extensively at your medical history, your physical therapist will also give you a physical exam to try to discover what exactly is causing undue pressure on your sciatic nerve.

How is sciatica treated? At North Platte Physical Therapy, we've successfully aided thousands of sciatica patients through a series of physical therapy methods and through teaching them a variety of maintenance exercises. Usually the main goal in managing sciatica is to help you better solidify your abdominal muscles so that your lower spine is better supported. We might also recommend a series of pilates classes to help you deal with pain management. Whether you suffer from sciatica or another work-induced ailment, the North Platte Physical Therapy team can also help you make adjustments to your biomechanics and ergonomic behavior, particularly in the way you bend down to pick up things, or sit at your desk.

Keep in mind, treatment of sciatica varies considerably from patient to patient. That's why you can count on our team of physical therapy professionals to help you discover the treatment plan that's right for you and your precise symptoms. Too many people from across Wyoming and South Dakota suffer from the pain of sciatica unnecessarily. Contact the North Platte Physical Therapy team today to set up an appointment and to get on track with a physical therapy treatment regimen that will reclaim your life from everyday sciatic nerve pain and help you enjoy work and exercise again.